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.XTRAjMS FROM THE 



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Young Grardener^s Assistant^ 

RELATIVE TO A^ 



ON 



"TERRA-CULTURE/ 

AS DESCRIBED IN 

Senate Document, No. "23, of the Third Session of the 25th Congress. 

AND THERKIN ESTIMATED AT 

"HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DAYS' LABOUR," 

AVD • 

** Worth more to the Couimiiitiitr than till the I>i8coycrieii of tbe 
Prexeut Age Cocabiiicd,*' 

THE 

FOR THE PURCHASK OF WHICH SECRET. 

An Application has been made to the 2(jth Covffress, uythe Discoverer, for a 
'* Sum equal to five cents from each individual of the United Sfafes," 

Oil ABOUT 

M Million Hollarj^ of ffotit Mesowrce^ 

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" Neiihci do men light a candle, ami put it under ;i Imdiel, but on r\ c^tidlestick, 
and itpiveth light to all thnt are in the house. Let your liglit so shiue b lore men 
that they may see your good works." 



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^_ 

Entered according to the Act of Consjress, in the year 1840, by THo.-^. V.PACGi'l- W^^^,' 
'MAN. in the Clerk's tffice, of the Disttict Couit of llie Uni'.ed Slules, for th<j ^ouihcrn ( /l^ff " 
District of New York. 



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NEW-YORK: 

D. MITCHELL, iM{ I N T E U, 265 13 O VV :•; 11 Y 

1840. 



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EXTRACTS FROM THE EIGHTH EDITION 



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Young Gardener^s Assistant, 



RELATIVE TO AN 



m^(©®® Bl^©®Tii^T 



ON 



"TERRA-CULTURE," 

AS DESCRIBED IN 

Senate Document, No. 23s of the Third Session of the 25tk Congress 

AND THEREIN ESTIMATED AT 

"HMDREDS OF MILLION OF MlS' LABOUR,"/ 

AND 

** Worth more to the Comiunnity than all the I>iscoTcries of the 
Present Ai^e Combined," 

THE 
FOR THE PURCHASE OF WHICH SECRET, 

An Application has been made te the 26f/« Congress, hy the Discoverer, for a 
" Sum equal to five cents from each individual of the United States ^^^ 

OR ABOUT 

a JWiUion 33oUav^ of fiouv Mr^ourcfSf 

: <vx\^ yx>gO: 

" Neither do men light a <• ndle, and put it under abushel, but on a candlestick, 
and it givetln light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men 
that tliey may see your good works." 



Enf^red according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1810, by THOS. BRIDGE- 
MAN in the Clerk's office, of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern 
District of New York. 



NEW-YORK; 



P, MITCHELL, PRINTER, 26* B W E R T. 

}-\\i^ 1840. 



■d g i ii 



&>xhac^ fzoTn /laae 23, 

Previous to the commencement of our Catalogue, it may be necessary 
to remind the reader, that the directions which follow, are founded on the 
results of practical experience in the vicinity of New-York City, where 
the soil is generally susceptible of gardening operations towards the end of 
March. These directions may, however, be applied to all other parts of 
the United States, by a minute observance of the difference in tempera- 
ture. 

In the extreme Northern parts of the State of Xew-f ork, as well as in 
all other places similarly situated, the directions for the beginning of April 
may apply to the latter end of the same month, with very few exceptions. 

In our Southern States, the directions for APRIL, which may be 
considered as the first gardening month in the Eastern, Western and 
Middle States, will apply to January, February, or to whatever season 
gardening operations may commence in the respective States. 

rfPm' /laae 355. 



In page 23 it has been shown, that the directions accompanying our cata- 
logue may be applied to all the varied climates of the United States, by a 
minute observance of the difference in temperatuve. 

It may be here observed, that the soil is susceptible of cultivation three 
months earlier in the remotest South, than in the coldest part of our Nor- 
thern territory ; the calendar therefore for March, may be applied to the 
middle of January in the warmest climates, and the middle ot April in the 
coldest ; some exceptions to this rule must, however, be taken in the South- 
ern States after the Spring months, for the following reasons : 

1. As warm weather South is of longer continuance than in the North, 
plantations of those species of vegetables denominated tender in page 19, 
may be made in the open garden from March to August, 

2. Extreme heat being detrimental to the cultivation of many half-hardy 
vegetables, such as Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Celery, Lettuce, Radish, 
Turnips, &c,, these can only be cultivated perfect in Spring and Autumn ; 
the latter crops, therefore, should not be planted until August or Septem- 
ber ; see note to article Broccoli *41, also 57, 62 and 92, 

3. Many of the half-hardy class, as also those designated ^ar^/^/ in our 
table, may be cultivated throughout the Wister months, by forwarding 
such as are required for early Spring use, after the Summer cropsfare taken 
off. See table, explication, &c. page 19 to 22, also page 103. 

In the Eastern, Western and Middle States, the annexed calendar will 
answer in the order it stands, by applying directions to the beginning of the 
first Spnng month,, in the warmest climates, and to the latter end, in the 
coldest climates, bearing in mind that where the Summer is short, the main 
crops must follow the early, in quick succession, with a view to their 
maturity before Winter. 

* It lias been proved by repeated experiments, tliat the Purple Cape Broccoli succeeds 
better in our climrvle than any other variety ; and, also, i.ial if Broccoli or Cauliflower 
plants be retarded in growth by extreme lieat, they sekloni arrive at good perfection. It 
is, therefoie, important that the time of sowing the seed of Cape I?ronco!i be so regulated 
as to allow, say six weeks of the summer, for the plants to grow in, previous to their 
being transplanted, and about seven or eight weeks between then and thecemmence- 
ment of cool autumn weather, which is essential to mature them. 

If s«eds be sown much before the middle of May, or so early that the plants arrive at 
full growth in the heat of the summer, and therfby become stunted, they generally bRiton, 
instead of forming perfect heads of flowers, and are consequently of no use but for 
cattle. In some of the Southern States, late planting of Broccoli and Cauliflower succeeda 
better than early, because the winters are calculated to mature these vegetables, from 
their not being subject to injury by slight frost, in a late stage of iheir growth 

^_)'-' wx^iacl /ro?n, no^e, ^aae 57. 

yy . f ^ome Gardeners rai?e Egg-plants in the same frame with Cabbage and such other half 
' , V', bardy plant* as require air every mild day ; by such management, one or the other must 
^ '■{ ' suffer for want of suitable ahment— Heat being the principal food of t«nder plants, and 
')■ Am that of the more hardy species. 



TO THK 



PEOPLE OF THE UfflTED STATES OF AMERICA. 



FELLOW-CITIZENS ', 

An application hanng been made to your representatives in Con- /y. 
gress, to vote a sum equal to five cents from each individual in the ,-. 
United States, or about a million dollars of your resources, to the Km/ 
promotion of an improved system of ^' Terra-culture,^^ as described in /^ 
Senate, document No 23, of the third session of the 25th Congress, I ''^•^^ 
hereby direct your attention to a few extracts taken from the applicant's o 
preamble; copies of which have been forwarded to each member of the **^ 
26th Congress, in session, November 30, 1839. --t 

From ttie Poughkeepsie Eagle, Saturday Morning, January 25, 1840. 

PRESERVATION OF FRUIT TREES, PLANTS, &c 

GREAT DISCOVERY. J 

To the Hon. Perry Smith, chairman of the United States Senate 
Committee on Agriculture of the 25th Congress. "With the consent 
and by the advice, on the 23d inst., of the chairman of the Uniteil States 
Senate Committee on Agriculture of the 25th Congress, I forward to 
eaqh member of the 26th Congress, the accompanying document, dated 
the 14th inst; the object is to show you some of the proof that a discovery 
of vital importance to civilized man has been made, which in several 
letters from diiferent members of the present and last Congress, is valued 

at HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DAYs' LABOUR, AND WORTH MORE THAM ALL 

THE DISCOVERIES OF THE PRESENT AGE COMBINED THE APPLICATION OF 

STEAM NOT EXCEPTED.'' 

" For what purpose would all the owners of the public lands more 
freely or gratefully consent to give one hundreth part of those lands, or 
the proceeds thereof? Would they not be grateful to those members of 
Congress, w4io assist in giving the owners of the public domain the 
desired information, and reverence them as benefactors of human kind."" 

" For the honour of the republic, for the honour of the age, and for 
the interest and comfort of the living, as well as the unborn, let not that 
discovery which may cause two seeds to ripen where one now does, 
which prevents the premature death of all cultivated trees, which has 
been searched for in vain during the history of all civilized society, die 
with the discoverer for want of the action of the United States Congress." 

Our patriotic discoverer " claims the following five discoveries as his, 
besides other discoveries which axe stated in his memorial to the 25th 
Congress :^' — 

1st. ''That various diseases, universally supposed to be destructive to 
plants, are only symptoms that a particular error in cultivation has been 
committed ; and that many other injurious effects have been produced 
by the same error, which are attributed to other causes." 

2d. "That the error is universally committed, to a greater or less 
extent, throughout the States, and that he has seen an excess of it 
wherever he has been, which is in the Atlantic States, from Georgia to 
Massachusetts inclusive." 

3d. '' That the Peach and Nectarine are more easily injured by the 
error than most other Fruit Trees, and the cause of their being more 
easily injured by it ; and that this error causes them to be barren, ar 
short-lived," 



i 



4th. " That the application of two known laws in Nature demonstrate 
the reality of his discovery and its application to the whole vegetable 
kingdom; and that by them, his discovery, (ifpubhcly known,) must be 
perpetuated, and his practice more easily introduced ; and that by these 
two laws the occasional success of common remedies is explained." 

Sth. " That the said error is the obstacle which has discouraged ex- 
perimenters, and lamentably retarded improvements in the science and 
practice of agriculture ; and that he has discovered facts and made him- 
self acquainted with knowledge sufficient to reduce them to practice.'* 

We are further informed, " that it is neither climate, nor soil, nor 
insects, nor worms, that are the cause of many of the disastrous effects 
that have been attributed to them, but that those effects are produced by 
error in cultivation, which diseases the smallest plant or largest tree." 

Our modest and patriotic fellow-citizen admits in the course of his 
preamble, " that the practical part of his discovery is so extremely 
8IMPLR and economical, th.tt it costs no more to prevent the diseases 
than it does to produce them ; and that it is so different from the esta- 
blished theories and habits of the peojile, tija'p unless a large amount 
BE APPROPRIATED, many will be unvvilUng to try it, and therefore the 
PUBLrc GOOD seems to require that a large amount should be appropri- 
ated." He moreover asseits, that "there are two known laws in 
Nature, by which the reality of his discovery, and its application to the 
whole vegetable kingdom, are demonstrable in less than thirty words." 

That this invaluable secret, whatever it may be, is not strictly speaking 
a new di-covery, is demonstrable by numerous living witnesses which 
have inhabited the fields and forests of the old world for over a thousand 
y^ears ; and our discoverer freely admits, and in very em|)hatic language, 
tliat there are thousands of trees in our own country on which, what he 
terms "the common error,' has never been committed ; and also, that 
several of the fifteen gentlemen to whom he communicated his secret, 
con fidcntly forever, have some such trees on their own domains. 

Hear hiin— " The Senator fr. ni Missouri, (Mr. Linn,) said, that the 
most flourishing and healthy Peach tree in his possession had never had 
what I call the common error in cultivation committed upon it." 

'• The Senator from Pennsylvania, (Mr. McKean,) said, that he had 
long suppo'^edthat what 1 call the common error, was an error, but that 
he had no idea of such extensive evils arising from it." 

"TJie Senator from Maryland. (Mr. Spence,) said, that in his district 
It was a universal custom to commit what I call the common error in 
cultivation, on the fruit trees, and that it was as common to have no 
Plums perfect and free from worms, excepting on a few of his, on 
which the error had not been committed for twenty years, if ever; and 
those few (four) continued to bear abundantly annually ; that he had no 
recollection of ever seeing an imperfect wormy Plum on either of these 
four trees, but that he had never supposed that to have been the cause 
of their perfection." 

The Senator from South Carolina. (Mr. Calhoun), to whom I am 
indebted for pointing out one symptom of the error, and for a valuable 
suggestion in the culture of plants, said, " while examining the defective 
trees around the Capitol, that the principle when exhibited was very 
plain and simple, that it was philosophical, and in his opinion it could 
not be neglected without injury to the health and growth of trees and 
plants, and deserving of public patronage." 

"The Vice President of the U. S. (Mr. Johnson,) said, that my dis- 
covery was perfectly consistent with the laws of Nature ; and, (when 
observing a few trees near the Capitol, which had been injured by the 
error, and were recovering,) further remarked, that my theory was 
essentially correct and obvious to the most superficial observer." 



"The member from New-York, (Mr. Jackson,) said that he had 
reared an orchard on which he had carefully avoided an excess of what I 
call the common error, and that it had been admired as the most flourish- 
ing and fruitful orchard in the neighbourhood ; and that he had recently 
seen a field of Indian corn, which yielded more than one hundred bushels 
of shelled grain to the acre, in which an excess of the error had been 
avoided, while the success was attributed to quite a different cause." 

From the preceding extracts, it is evident that this inestimable treasure 
lays near the surface ; and from the disclosure having been communicated 
to rational and intelligent minds, it is prejiosterous to expect that those 
gentlemen can, in the pursuit of their rural avocations, act directly con- 
trary to knowledge and sound judgment; they must, therefore, necessa- 
rily and unavoidably communicate the secret by their example, which 
will eventually disseminate, in proportion as mankind take an interest 
in the merits of the alleged discovery. 

But lest the full benefits of this invaluable remedy should be withheld 
from the community for^want of the action of the United States Congress, 
I have submitted an exposition of my vieics of the particular points 
adverted to in the preamble, which may be found under the heads, Necta- 
rine, Peach, and Plum, pages 311, 319 and 337, of the eighth edition of 
the Young Gardener's Assistant ; and I would furthermore remind my 
readers, that the directions heretofore given in this and previous editions 
of the work, are in strict accordance with the same doctrine; and that 
although the error alluded to is admitted to have been very generally 
connnitted I am not aware that any writer has ever taught or encouraged 
the error, either director indirect; I confess, however, that I have been 
induced to expatiate on this malpractice in horticulture, from the subject 
having elicited the grave consideration of enlightened legislators of these 
United States. 

And lest these my voluntary disclosures should prove to have no 
bearing on the alleged discovery, I would prepare the public mind for its 
reception Ijy an exhortation to iemperamce and moderation, as the 
only safe course that can be considered applicable to the cultivation of 
all the varied species of plants, which comprise " the whole vegetable 
kingdom/' In articles, pages 19, 134, 146 and 217, I have shown that 
the various species of plants which occupy our greenhouses, gardens, 
and fields, require each their peculiar aliment — they havinir been col- 
lected from all the diversified regions, climates, and soils through eartli's 
remotest bounds ; they consequently comprise natives of mountains and 
rocks, as well as of plains, valleys, and water courses. The most essen- 
tial aliment for natives of warm climates and dry soils being ukat, 
artificial means are used in cool seasons, and unpropitious climates to 
produce it. Natives oftempe'rit" climates require salubrious air, hence 
they are cultivated to the greatest perfection in our Northern States in 
Spring and Autumn ; and in our Southern States in the Winter ; see page 
355, and natives ofhumid climates, as also amphibious plants in general, 
require a more than ordinary share of moisture, and grow best in w(t 
soil ; but these three i lem^nts collectively constitute the food of plan's 
in general, and should be judiciously imparted to the various species, in 
due proportions according to circumstances. See pages 41, .54, 57 and 
358, for a more concise view of this subject. I have also shown, 
that the roots of various species of plants require each their peculiar 
aUmeiit, which is not to be found in all descriptions of land ; this is. 
demonstrated by roots of trees being frequently discovered spreading 
beyond their ordinary bounds in quest of salutary food. 

Although it has been admitted that excessive deep planting of trees 
and plants is injurious, and in many cases fatal to their very existence, 
it does not follow that all annuals and biennials are injured by the same 
nieans; on the contrary, the earthing up of particular species of plants 
in a late stage of growUi is calculated to promote early maturity, which 



constitutes the most essential art in gardening for the market ; because' 
the earliest crops are always the most profitable. It is moreover a ne- 
cessary practice in climates where the seasons for gardening are short- 
as without such practice, many kinds of vegetables could not possiblj 
be matured in due season for gathering before Winter. 

I would here take the opportunity of proving this last position, by 
reminding the reader that the effects of deep planting, the Peach tre6 
for instance, is discoverable soon after the error is committed, by its 
fruit ripening prematurely, and this is often the case for a year or two 
prior to its final decease, and should operate as a salutary le«son against 
planting perennial plants and trees too deep. 

In conclusion of this article, which is intended as an appendage to my 
works on gardening, I would urge gardeners and cultivators to consult 
the operations of Nature in all their rural pursuits ; and with a view to 
aid them, I subjoin the following rules, which are further illustrated 
under the different heads : 

1. In transplanting fruit trees, let the collar, or that part from which 
emanate the main roots, be near the surface. A medium-sized tree may 
be planted an inch deeper than it was in the nursery bed ; and the largest 
should not exceed two or three inches, see pages 311, 319, 337 and 367 
of the Young Gardener's x'^ssistant, eighth edition. 

2. In the cultivation of such plants as are transplanted, or grown in 
hills or clusters, as Indian Corn, &-c. keep the earth loose but level around 
them in their early stages of growth, by frequent hoeing, ploughing, or 
cultivating ; and to promote early maturity, throw a moderate -portion 
of earth about the roots and stems at the last or final dressing. 

3. In the sowing of seeds, remember that in UNiry theke is strength, 
and that from the germinative parts of a seed being weak and diminutive, 
it cannot be expected to perforate through the soil, solitary and alone. 
To insure a fair chance, plant your seeds moderately thick, and thin out 
the surplus plants while }Oung. In planting seeds in drills, which is the 
most eligible plan, the size of the seed and strength oi^ its germ should 
be considered ; large seeds, producing vigorous roots, require deeper 
planting than diminutive seeds, producing delicate roots and slender 
stalks. 

4. In the choice of compost for exotic or greenhouse plants, imitate 
tlie native soil of each peculiar species as nearly as possible, by a judij 
cious mixture of mairlen earth, loam, sand, leaf, swamp and rock mould, 
decomposed manures, and such other composts as are recommended 
under the difterent heads. Remember, that although strong manure is 
essential to the growth of some plants, it is poisonous to others, Pursuf, 
THEN, A MEDIUM COURSE. Froui your soil not,being too stiff or too light, 
too rich or too poor, too cool or too warm, too close or too porous, if 
not positively salutary and congenial to all, it must render the situation 
of each endurable. I again repeat, that temperance in the use of 
aliment, is as essentia'l to the welfare of the vegetable family, as it is to 
the health, happiness, and longevity of mankind. 

T. BRIDGEMAN. 
NeAv-York, ]March4, 1810. 



0° Since this address has been in press, I have seen another article 
in the Puughkeepsic Eagle, dated February 29, 1840, wherein our 
modest and patriotic discoverer gratuitously pronounces his knowledge 
as superior to that of '' all Botanical and Agricultural known Writers ."' 
As I have anticipated the merits of this second valuable discovery 
in my books, I have nothing more to say than to remind the reader, that 
this uncalled for attack on the brethren of my fraternity, fully justifies 
not merely the publication, but the most general circulation of these my 
voluntary disclosures. 



CALENDAR FOR MARCH.— F«^e 366 & 367. 

In transplanting trees, care shonld be taken that the collar, or that part 
from which emanates the main roots, be not inserted too deep in the 
soil, as this injures the bark, and consequently impedes the natural 
circulation of the juices. A medium sized tree may be planted one inch 
deeper than it was in the nursery bed, and the largest should not exceed 
two or three inches, 



ARTICLE NECTARINE.— Pa^g^e 311. 

This is an important precaution, and should be attended to at the 
lime of transplanting all descriptions of trees and smaller plants; 
because deei) planting prevents the essential circulation of the juices 
of plants in their regular and natural courses, and consequently causes 
disease and premature death ; and it must be admitted, that from the 
circumstance of this fruit being generally raised on standard trees, and 
in a light ?oil, our cultivators are apt to plant too deep ; and thus act 
contrary to sound judgment and philosophy, with a view to save the 
trouble and expense of staking or otherwise supporting their newly 
planted trees, which precaution is absolutely necessary to their preserva- 
tion, even in less tempestuous climates, and in stiff as well as in light 
soil. 

Saltpetre, dissolved in the proportion of one pound to five gallons of 
water, and applied around the stems and roots of trees, as recommended 
for plants in general, page 12 of the general remarks, is, in my opinion , 
one of the best remedies for the destruction of various kinds of insects •, 
it is moreover allowed by modern and learned physiologists to contain 
the most essential nutriment to all descriptions of trees or smaller plants, 
when judiciously used. Other remedies are recommended to be applied 
lor the destruction of these insects around fruit trees, besides those 
previously mentioned; as dissolved potash, coal tar, sulphur and lime- 
mortar mixed, vinegar, soap suds, &c. Culture, upon correct princi- 
ples, will, however, in general operate not only as a radical cure, but as 
a preventive to all defects in trees and plants ; which to be healthy and 
productive, should be so managed that the sap and nutrimental juices 
can circulate through every pore which Nature has designed for their 
pe petuity. 

•■f * * -jf * jf jf 

ARTICLE PEACH.— Po^e 319. 

As the failure of this fruit of late years has elicited considerable 
discussion and observation, which increases in interest annually, I hereby 
offer an exposition of my views on the subject, by a comparison 
between vegetable and animal matter, which I humbly conceive bear a 
striking assimilation to each other. If the reaxler should deem my 
arguments as visionary or speculative, I would remind him that the 
grave importance of the subject fully justifies this or any other attempt 
at elucidation. 

Having in page 311 shown the error of deep planting alldescriptiors 
of trees and pitnts, I would here observe, that a tree brought into a state 
of disease, by which the circulation of its nutrimental juices is impeded, 
and its bark injured, is very similarly situated to a timber post inserted 
in the soil; which, every one knows, will rot between earth and air, 
however sound its other parts may be. 



8 

In venturing a comparison between vegetable and anioaar matter, t 
would first refer the reader to page 281. where I have shown that a 
Chestnut tree has been known to live over a thousand years; and that its 
timber, cut in proper season, is supposed to be in durability, commen- 
surate with the age of the growing tree. It is also recorded in history, 
that animal subjects preserved on the Egyptian principle, have been 
known to keep as long as the most durable timber ; while daily expe- 
rience DEMONSTRATKs that corrupt auimal and Vegetable substances, not 
only become a prey to the most noxious insects and reptiles, but will- 
GENERATE TiiEM ill incalculable numbers. 

It is also evident, that a tree deprived of its functions or means of 
growing luxuriantly, is in a similar situation to a diseased auimal. If 
disease be not checked before the juices of the tree become putrid, it 
will not only die, but will contaminate the earth in which it is planted, 
to the destruction of its neighbouring inmates of the garden or field. 
All experienced nurserymen admit this to be the case with diseased 
Peach trees, and some have actually abandoned their Peach orchards, 
and chosen fresh ground for new plantations. 

It is precisely the same with smaller vegetable plants. A diseased 
Cabbage, for instance, by its excremental and corrupt juices being spent 
in the ground, will render the cultivation of the same or allied species a 
casualty; and daily observation teacheth that young and thrifty plants 
often fall a prey to worms and reptiles which were generated by a 
previous crop. 

It i^ moreover evident, that all those enemies of tl^e vegetable family 
feed on the same descbiptions of vegetable matter which fii'st generated 
them ; hence the Peach insects feed on its fruit in embryo, fis well as in 
a state at, and even beyond perfection; the Cabbage wor^s prey on 
plants of the same genera or species ; and I have no do^^bt but the 
cotton jcorms prefer the same description of vegetable matter which 
gave them birth, and that when these insects and reptiles cannot obtain 
the parts which are the most palatable to them, or congenial to their 
nature, they will feed upon diseased trees, plants, or any other matter 
which contains similar juices or nutriment. I again repeat, that the best 
security against their depredations, is health and soundness. A good 
sound healthy tree, planted and cultivated upon correct principles, 
may be justly considered as invulnerable to the attacks of insects and 
reptiles, as any species of healthy animal creature in existence. 

As I have been more familiar with the cultivation of vegetables than 
fruits, I would state further my views relative to the Cabbage tribe On 
New-York Island in the vicinity of the city, it is customary with garden- 
ers to cut their Cabbages generally as they are required for market, and 
often to leave their roots standing ; these by some are ploughed under, 
where they not only feed, but generate their peculiar species of insects. 
Some gardeners take their roots and leaves to the cattle yard or dung 
heap, and return them back to the garden the enduing season in the 
shajje of manure. As a consequence of such practice, good Cabbages 
are very seldom obtained, even after a routine of other crops, for two 
or three years. 

With a view to illustrate the evil of deep planting. I would ob'^erve 
further, that when Cabbage plants are transplanted in proper seasons 
and on good fresh soil, they generally prove uniformly good ; whereas 
if it should happen, as it sometimes does, for want of suitable weather, 
that the plants cannot be transplanted until they get crooked and 
overgrown, so as to require deep planting to support them in the 
£oil. Such plants, like diseased Peach trees, decay first m the bark, 
between earth and air, and then from being deprived of a natural 
circulation of the vegetable juices, die, and discharge their putrid matter 



in tLe earth, to the destruction of such other plants as may be inserted 
in their stead. I have frequently known a land of Cabbage plants filled 
up half a dozen times, and the crop at last scarcely worth gathering, 
whereas could the plants have been set out while dwarfish, and in- 
serted their proper depth in the ground, the cultivator would have been 
rewarded a hundred fold. 

I dislike tautology, but cannot avoid repeating my humble opinion, 
that deep planting and injudicious culture are the causes of most diseases 
and failures of fruit trees; and in this way I account for Peaches being 
less plentiful than they were, when left almost to ^'ature, which was 
the case I am informed in the beginning of the present century. That 
this malpractice in horticulture is very general, the most superficial 
observer may discover, by comparing the thrifty growth of those trees 
scattered by iNature in our highways and byways with many of those 
aided by the art of man. If any of my readers should require proof of 
my assertions, I can show them from the window of the room where 
this article was composed, scores of living, or rather dymg, evidences of 
the evil of deep planting. 

ARTICLE PLUM.— Pa^e 337. 

Cobbett attributes the scarcity of Plums in New-York to neglect. 
In his American Gardener, paragraph 320, he asks, '' how is it that 
we have so few Plums in America, when the markets are supplied 
with cart-loads in such a chilly, shady, and blighty country as England?" 

* * jjt * * * * 

I would answer this query by informing the reader, that the inhabit- 
ants of our parent country, with a view to derive the full benefit of 
the Sun's rays for the cultivation of Plums, Peaches, Nectarines, and 
such other fruits as require extra heat, train their trees against walls, 
fences, or trellis-work; and from their having these means of support, 
gardeners have no inducement to plant them deeper than is necessary ; 
whereas, from the circum-^tance of the American climate being suf- 
ficiently warm to ripen those fruits en standard trees, they are gene- 
rally so cultivated. Many persons, to save the trouble of staking, or 
otherwise supporting their trees, plant them too deep, and thus defeat 
the operations of Nature. That this is a prevalent error, has been 
shown, pages 311 and 319 to 3*22, to which the reader is referred for 
a more concise view of the subject. 



(Jeae^auw ^e/iar^men^^ 



EXTRACT FROM PAGE 6. 

03* The reader's attention is solicited to the elucidation, relative to the 
varied climates to which our directions are calculated to apply. This 
exposition particularly concerns such gardeners as cultivate land in a 
temperature different to that in the vicinity of New- York city. £^ 

This elucidation may be found at the back of the title of extracts. 



16 

^^ It is presumed that the annexed table and explication are at once 
calculated to demonstrate the fallacy of applying ant onh: rule to tho 
cultivation of the productions of «// the varied climates and soils which 
comprise our kitchen gardfu alone, which moreover form but a small 
part " of the whole vegetable kingdom." JIJ 

EXTRACrS, ^c. 

TABLE AND EXPLICATION.— Fa^cs 18 ^ 19. 

*^* In order to aid the novice in gardening, the followinor brief 
classification of such species and varieties as comprise our catalogue 
of vegetable seeds is submitted, and it is presumed that the connecting 
links, and explication of this table will not be altogether uninteresting 
to the experienced gardener and seedsman. 



CATALOGUE. 



Artichoke, . . 
Asparagus, . . 
Beans, (English dv 
Beans, (Kidney d{ 
Beans, pole, 
Beet,. . . 
Borecele or Kale, 
Broccoli, 
Cauliflower, 
Cabbage, 
CaiTot, . 
Celery, . 
Corn Salad, 
Cress, 
Cucumber, 
Egg Plant, 
Endive, . 
Indian Com, 
Leek, 
Lettuce, . 
Melon, > 
Okra, , . 
Onion, . 
Parsley, , 
Parsnip, . 
Peppers, . 
Peas. . . 
Pumpkin, 
Radish, 
Salsify, 
Spinach, . 
Squash, . 
Tomatoe, 
Turnip, . 
Herbs in general, 



'arfs) 
•) 



&c 



— 0— 



— 0- 



— 0- 
— 0- 



3 S 

0^5 



1 = 

■■5 S 



-0- 
— 0- 



« s 



-0- 
-0- 

-0 — 
-0- 

-0 — 
-0- 



-0— 



o w 
a Cli 

■2 = 



-0— 
-0— 
-0 



-0— 
-0— 
-0— 
-0 

-0— 



-0— 
-0— 

-0— 
-0 



-0- 
— 0- 



-0 — 
-0- 

-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 



-0— 
-0— 



11 

In explication of the table, it may be necessary first to premise, that 
in the classification, as respects different seeds germinating, it is con- 
ceded that if some of those denominated medium were put upon an 
equal footing with some of the class denominated quick-growing, they 
would vegetate in about the same time. For instance, Peas would 
sprout as quick as Kidney Beans in equal temperature ; but Peas, being 
hardy, are generally planted a month earlier in the season. If Beans 
were planted at the same time, they would rot for want of genial heat 
necessary to their germinating. 

Many of the species denommated medium and tardy, require considerable 
moisture to produce vegetation ; when not attainable, tardiness of growth, 
and somelimcs total failure are the consequencps ; judicious garJenerg 
however, generally obviat.) difficullies of this nature, by sowing such seed 
at the most favourable season?. Those who delay sowing Carrot, Celery 
Leek, Parsley, Onion, Parsnip, Spinach, &c. auiil dry Summer weather 
render themselves liable todisoj)peintment and loss thereby. 

As some gardeners are apt to attribute all failures of seed tc its defective- 
ness, I shall, in the. hope of convincing such of their error, offer a few 
observations under each head of the table. 

Thcfirst and second classes, denominated hardy and half hardy, are 
subjected to risk in unprajjitious seasons, from unfitness of the soil to pro- 
mote vegetation, rendered so by cold rains and variable weather. If sprouted 
seed survive a severe chill, it is the more susceptible of frost, to which it is 
frequently subjected early in the season. Some species of plants, that in nn 
.advanced stage of growtb will stand a hard Winter, are often cut oil' by 
very slight frost while germinating, especially if exposed to heat of the Sun 
after a frosty night, or while in a "frozen stat"^e. Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, 
Turnip, and many other growing plants, which survive the or>linary Win- 
ters of England, are here classed as half hardy, for the reasons above slated. 

The third class, or most tender specirs, frequently perish from excess of 
rain. Lima Beans, for instance, have often to be rej)lanted three or four 
times in the month of Mav, before any will stand. Pvlelons, Cucumbers, 
Egg Plants, Tomato Plants, &c. are also often cut off by variableness of 
the weather; indeed it is unreasonable to expect natives of tropical climates 
to thrive or even live in a climate adverse to that in which nature first pro- 
duced them, unless protected or nursed in unpropilious seasons, as recora- 
mended under the head forcing vegetables. Those who plant tender 
things in open gardens early in the season, must reconcile themselves to 
loss in the event of unfavourable weather, instead of throwing blame on the 
seedsman 

The fourth class, embracing such species and varieties, as from their 
nature are apt to vegetate quickly, are very liable to be devoured by insects 
before they make any, show on the surface. Turnip seed, for instance, 
will sprout within forty-eight hours after being sown ; and under favour- 
able circumstances, most of the species of this class will come up within a 
week; but if insects attack the seed beds in dry weather, a total loss of 
crops will be the consequence. Every experienced farmer is convinced of 
this fact, by having frequently to sow his turnip ground three or four times, 
befire he can get any to stand. 

Sometimes a sudden shower of rain will cause planfs to grow out of the 
reach of insects, but every good gardener should have his remedies at hand 
to apply to seed beds in general, and especially to those in which plants are 
raised for the purpose of being transplanted. 

Those species and varieties, embraced in ihejlflh and sixth columns, 
often take from two to three or four weeks to vegetate in unfavourable 
seasons. Some plants are retarded by cold, others by excess of dry weather ; 
and at such times, seed may fail to vegetate for want of pressure. Jn the 
event f f drought after heavy rains, seed and young plants often perish 
through incrustation of the soil, and from other untoward circumstancesj 
which can neither be controlled nor accounted for, even by the most assidu- 



1^ 

Ous antl precise gardener. It must, however, bo conceded, that failures 
often occur, through seed being deposited too deep in the ground, or left too 
near the surface; sometimes, for want of sufficiency of seed in a given spot, 
solitary plants will perish, they not having sufficient strength to open the 
pores of the earth, and very frequently injudicious management in manur- 
ing and preparing the soil will cause defeat. 

I have been induced to expatiate, and in the seventh range of the prece- 
ding fa.ble, to designate such plants as are generally cultivated, first in seed 
beds, and afterwards transplanted for the purpose of beinu accommodated 
with space to mature in, with a view to answer at once the thousand and 
one questions asked by inexperienced cultivators, at my counter. 

ANNUAL FLOWERS. PAGE 134- 

Some seeds germinate in two or three days after being deposited in 
the earth; other species will not exhibit signs of vegetation under as 
many weeks. These and other distinguishing features arise, in a great . 
measure, from their having originated in diverse soils and climates. 
Natives of cool or tempei*ate climates and moist soils, are generally 
tardy in germinating when cidtivated in a warm climate and dry soil, 
for want of a due share of their most essential aliment, Moisture; and 
natives of warm climates and light soils, require artificial culture in cool 
seasons, and unpropitious climates; in order to their being accommoda- 
ted with their natural and most important aliment, Heat. Air is also a 
more necessary aliment to some species than to others, but these three 
elements collectively, constitute the food of plants in general. It may be 
also observed that the adaptation of plants to a soil congenial for them, 
is of the utmost importance ; as plants cannot thrive well, when improper 
food is absorbed by their roots. 

biennials AND PERENNIALS. PAGE 146. 

The remarks preceding our catalogue of Annuals, will with few 
exceptions, apply to that of Biennials and Perennials ; and it may be 
observed further, that the circulation of the sap in roots and stalks of 
plants, is influenced by like causes, and subject to the same vicissitudes 
as the germination of seed, which principle is exemjDlified by some 
plants of various speciesputtingforth their leaves and flowers at a later 
period than others in the same location, as if waiting for nature to 
replenish the earth with food adapted to their respective requirements; 
which by the gradual changes from cool to^ temperate, and from that to 
warm weather, is effected to that degree as to enable all the various 
species of plants, collected from every climate and soil under the Sun, 
to reward the industrious cultivator, by a gradual exhibition of their 
fascinating blossoms, and a distribution of their odoriferous sweets, 
throughout the three propitious seasons of the year, i. e. Spring, Sum- 
mer and Autumn. 

To raise your flowers, various arts combine; 
Study these well, and fancy's flight decline. 
If you would have a vivid, vigorous breed, 
Of every kind, examine well the seed: 
Learn to what Elements your plants belong, 
What is their constitution, weak or strong ; 
Be their physician, careful of their lives, 
And see that every species daily thrives ; 
These love much Air, those on much Heat rely, 
These without genial Moisture, droop and die. 
Supply the wants of each, and they will pay 
For all your care through each succeeding day. 

T. BRIDGEMAN. 

mvo-Yotk, March 4, 1840. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



Sridgeman's Horti 




000 917 094 7 



% 



JDST PDBLISHE 



THE 



C0NTAINII70 AMPLK DIRECTI0N8 FOR THB CULITATlOM OF 

CULINARY VEGETABLES, HERBS, 

AN IMPROVED EDiriOK, 



CONTAINING PRACTICAL 1 N ST RU C T I O NS FOR TH E 

CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS. 

THE 
CONTAINING PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS FOR 

Cultivating' Culinary Vegetables, 

Flowers^ Fruit Trees ^ the Grape Vine, Sfc^ Sfc. S^c. 

EIGHTH EDITION-40S PAGES 8vO. 



f]^ Each of these Books contains a Monthly Calendar ; also the Address, 
and other matters relative to the contents of this Tract. 



I 



NEW-YORK: 

For sale by T. Bridgeman, coraer of 18th-st. and Broadway, immediately 
north of Union Place Park ; G. C. Thorburn, No. 11 John-sr. ; Alex- 
ander Smith, 388 Broadway, N. Y. ; G. R. Garretson, Flushing, L.I. ; 
Wm. Thorburn, Albany; Reynolds &.Bateham, Rochester; Hovey 
& Co. Ellis & Bosson, Jos?ph Breck & Co. Boston ; Hirst Sn, Dreer, 
D. Landreth & Co. Philadelphia; J. Cairns, Newark, N J.; K. 
Sinclair, Jr. & Co. Baltimore ; J. F. Callan,Washington City ; Turnor 
& Hughes, Raleigh, N. C; J. Houghton, Cleaveland; S. C. Park- 
hurst, Cincinnati; T. Pringle, & Co. New Orleans and r<atchez; 
John Thorburn, St. Louis, Missouri ; and other Seedsmen and Flo- 
rists in various parts of the United States ; and also by Booksellers in 
general. ::::::;::::3 

1840. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




DD0mi7DT47 



HolUng«r Corp, 



